Heavy Equipment Operator

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

A Sims Metal Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating machinery used in metal recycling, performing equipment inspections, handling scrap materials, and maintaining a clean, hazard‑free work environment. The core of the job is material handling, equipment operation (front end loaders, cranes), safety compliance, and routine maintenance.

Primary Duties

• Material Handling — Load/unload trucks, trailers, barges, and rail cars; move and pile scrap metal using loaders, cranes, forklifts, bobcats, and skid steers.
• Equipment Operation — Operate front‑end loaders, articulated cranes (grapple/magnet).
• Safety Compliance — Follow Sims’ safety regulations and “golden rules,” avoid hazards, coordinate movements with spotters, and maintain a zero‑harm workplace.
• Equipment Inspections — Complete pre‑operational checklists, report discrepancies, and perform end‑of‑shift inspections.
• Routine Maintenance — Greasing, fueling, cleaning, and basic upkeep of equipment.
• Site Housekeeping — Maintain clean work areas, sweep/shovel residual waste, and ensure safe conditions for employees and customers.
  
  

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1–5 years of heavy equipment operation experience.
• Ability to read and understand instructions, safety procedures, and documentation.
• Must pass pre‑employment physical, background check, and drug screen.
  
  

Work Environment

• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Fast‑paced industrial environment with heavy machinery and moving materials.
• Emphasis on safety, environmental responsibility, and teamwork.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Lift, carry, push, and pull heavy materials.
• Stand or walk for extended periods.
• Ability to climb, balance, crouch, and perform manual labor safely.
  
  

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel materials and equipment. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and communicate verbally. The employee is also frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl when accessing or servicing equipment.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Specific Vision Abilities Required For This Role Include

• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus.
  
  

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination.

To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe Well, Band Together, Be Accountable Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate Have Fun.